The first annual Palmetto Half Marathon will be held on April 10th, 2010 at the Village at Sandhill in Northeast Richland County, Columbia, SC and will consist of a Half Marathon, 5k, Kids’ Fun Run, and Expo. The Expo, held at Plex Indoor Sports the Friday night before, will offer runners early race packet pick-up, a spaghetti dinner to fuel for the next days’ events, fellowship with other runners, children’s games, and vendors, community partners, highlighted charities, and sponsors showcasing their organizations. For more information including awards, race course information and other important highlights, please see the race info page.

The purpose and goals of The Palmetto Half Marathon is multi-level. It is important that the local community pull together to make Columbia a great place to live and that includes helping its residents. It is our hope that by bringing together many different organizations and groups to collaborate to help make this event a huge success, a stronger community bond will form. We have organized our race committee to include a team dedicated to building community relationships and helping get other organizations involved in the process of planning, organizing, and conducting the event.

According to Facing Facts 2009, a community assessment based on an analysis of responses from residents and community leaders, four central issues were identified in Richland and Lexington counties. The number one issue is poverty and the struggle to meet basic human needs (food & shelter). This year, it is our goal to highlight these issues and raise funds to support organizations that target hunger and homelessness. The race will benefit four local non-profit organizations: Harvest Hope Food Bank, St. Lawrence Place, Alston Wilkes Society Veterans Home and the Family Shelter. These organizations are an integral part of our community by providing food and shelter for all age groups and backgrounds that may be falling on hard times.

 

Join us in supporting the Columbia community by registering today! For more information or to volunteer at the race, please email palmettohalfmarathon@hotmail.com!